How Common is a Potato Allergy in Dogs?

Potatoes are a commonly listed allergy for dogs. If your dog exhibits signs of food allergies such as skin or ear problems, consult with a vet. They may have you put your dog on a hypoallergenic diet in order to pinpoint the source of the allergy so you can eliminate it from your dog's menu.

Common Food Allergens for Dogs

Potatoes are one of the most common food allergens in dogs, along with corn, beets, yeast, wheat and soy. The number of dogs who have food allergies grows every day. Many commercial dog foods contain a number of ingredients that compromise the health of pets. Only a few important ingredients are crucial for a canine's diet. At the top of the list should be protein.

Pinpoint the Food Allergy

If you suspect your pet suffers from food allergies, speak with your vet. She will likely put your dog on a hypoallergenic diet for 60 to 90 days to help desensitize him from any allergens that are likely irritating his system. After the dog's system returns to normalcy, the previous diet will be re-administered. Your pet will likely respond more sharply to the offending allergen as his body has readjusted, and then you will be able to pinpoint the source of his allergy. If progress is not being made, your vet will likely want to take a blood sample for allergy testing.

Hypoallergenic Trial

During the trial you should not give your pet any commercial dog treats such as milk bones and rawhide chews or medications such as is used for heart worms. Instead, for snacks or rewards use pieces of hard-boiled egg, slices of fruit or sweet potato, depending on the foods you're trying to eliminate during this trial. Also, consult with your vet about a number of hypoallergenic commercial pet foods that are available by prescription that contain alternative protein sources. During the trial, use only one source of protein.

Optimum Normal Diet

The first three ingredients of your pet food should be protein sources. Ideally, use dog food that has a protein content of 30 percent or more, with a fat content of at least 18 percent. Keep an eye out for quality meat sources and avoid meat by-products or meat meal. These are usually derived from cheap discarded animal parts. Consider using either grain-free dog food or food with whole grains such as oats or barley. White potatoes, if not an allergy for you pet, are a good source of carbohydrates.